F.A.Q. for Authors

A list of frequently asked questions and their answers (FAQ) for attending authors. Do you have a question you need answered? Email us.

Do I need to obtain an Iowa Tax ID.

We are not tax professionals, but the State of Iowa does request that we report who attends our event. So if you have specific questions, such as whether you need to obtain an Iowa Tax ID or not, please contact the Iowa Department of Revenue or consult with your tax professional.

I’m having problems registering/paying for the event.

On January 12, 2018, a new payment link was sent out. Please search your inbox for an email from contactus@ia-otherworlds.com with the subject line: Here’s the NEW IOWA Author Registration Link! Please register by 01/31.

When you are submitting the form, please keep the following in mind.

You are transmitting quite a bit of data to us including 2 files, which may be rather large so please be patient. You should see your browser working — as an example, Chrome has a circle that spins in the tab and a status bar at the bottom — as long as you see similar indicators in your preferred browser, the form is still sending us your data.

What it looks like when your form is processing in Chrome (click to see a larger image)

Once the data is successfully processed (this includes moving through the steps in PayPal) you will receive a Thank You screen and a confirmation email with your registration attached.

If you don’t receive a Thank You screen (shown below) and a confirmation email (shown below), we have not received your registration.

Your Confirmation Page(click to see a larger image)Your Confirmation Email(click to see a larger image)

If you continue to have problems, please email the organizers at contactus@ia-otherworlds.com.

How can I contact the event organizers?

The best and most efficient ways to communicate with the organizers about the event is though the private Facebook group and email. Using these two ways ensures that EVERYONE on our team is aware of your questions, comments and needs.

Facebook Messenger is NOT an acceptable way to communicate with the organizers regarding questions or concerns you have about the event.

When is the next event?

The Imagine Other Worlds with Authors Book Signing event will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Marion Columbus Club at 5650 Kacena Avenue in Marion, Iowa. This change in venue is due to negative press surrounding the previous location.

At this time, a date has not been determined for 2019.

What is the schedule for the day?

The schedule for the day is as follows:

8:30 AM: Author registration and setup begins.

10:00 AM: Doors open to the public

Giveaway drawings begin. Must be present to win.

3:00 PM: Event closes and teardown begins

Traditionally, we have gathered at a local restaurant the night prior to the event and after the event for dinner and drinks. We create events in the private Facebook group with those details as plans are solidified.

Will lunch be provided?

With our move to the Marion Columbus Hall at 5650 Kacena Avenue in Marion, Iowa, we will be providing a catered lunch for $10 per person. You can RSVP for lunch when you secure your table.

If you forgot to purchase lunch for you or your assistant when you secured your table, please email us at contactus@ia-otherworlds.com and we will provide you with information on how to RSVP.

How can I get lunch on the day of the event?

If you forgot to purchase lunch for you or your assistant when you secured your table, please email us at contactus@ia-otherworlds.com and we will provide you with information on how to RSVP for lunch. You will be charged $10 and your RSVP must be placed by April 30, 2018.

After April 30, 2018, we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide you with lunch. There are a few places close to the Marion Columbus Club to grab lunch during the hour break including Culver’s, McDonald’s, Subway (inside of Wal-Mart), Dairy Queen and Hy-Vee.

How much space will I be allotted?

In 2018, each author will receive a 6′ by 2.5′ foot table with 2 chairs.

In 2017, each author will receive a 2.5′ x 4′ table space + 2 chairs.

Why did you change venues?

With our move to to a new location in 2018, we are able to give attending authors more table space (6 foot by 2.5 foot table) and physical space between booths. This will help authors display their books more easily and allow for better traffic flow. Additionally, we will have a secure space that will allow us to physically close and lock the space during the lunch hour, allowing authors a bit of down time to get something to eat. This is a common practice at many author signing events and one we have not been able to accommodate with our past location.

While we had originally planned to have our event a the Clarion in Cedar Rapids, our plans changed around Thanksgiving due to a federal investigation and the surrounding negative press. Before Christmas, we signed an agreement with the Marion Columbus Club in Marion, Iowa to hold the event at their location just off Highway 13.

We are hopeful that our move will attract readers from the Cedar Rapids Metro area and surrounding towns as the Marion Columbus Club has easy access off of Highway 13 Our marketing efforts, along with encouraging the attending authors to promote the event creatively online and in their community, should help us to expand our reach and encourage more readers to stop by for an hour or two to meet authors. The event is still free to readers to attend.

How much is author registration?

For 2018, but the cost will be $75 per author (plus processing fees) for a 6′ by 2.5′ table with two chairs.

In 2017, author registration was $50 plus $3.74 processing fees for a 2.5′ x 4′ table space with two chairs. Registration included space for the author and one assistant.

Why did the author registration fee increase?

The general fees for author events across the country range from $50 for a half table to over $100 for an 8′ foot table. Based on the comments and feedback we’ve received after the previous two events, we have secured a larger space to provide greater maneuverability with more setup flexibility and setup/teardown assistance.

We are hoping that the remaining funds will be directed toward improving the visibility of the event and securing a space for 2019. We hope that any increased paid advertising efforts, combined with those efforts of the attending authors will bring in more readers to the event and allow for better author/reader engagement.

For author registration, is payment expected when I register?

Yes, payment is required at the time of registration. Our budget relies on paid registrations.

How do I cancel my registration?

You need to email the event organizers at contactus@ia-otherworlds.com. This is the ONLY acceptable way to inform the event organizers that you are unable to attend.

When you email the event organizers to cancel your attendance/registration, please include whether another author will be taking your place and you are transferring your registration to them along with all of the new author’s relevant contact information. If you do not inform the organizers upon cancellation that another author will be taking your spot, the organizers may, at their discretion, make an attempt to fill the open table. Once that attempt is made, your registration is no longer transferable.

Please remember that your registration is NOT refundable.

Is my author registration refundable?

Registration fees are not refundable. Our budget relies on paid registrations and we are unable to refund your registration fee.

Is my author registration transferable?

Yes, you may transfer it to another author. You are responsible for finding an author to fill your spot and informing the event organizers via email at contactus@ia-otherworlds.com.

When you email the event organizers to cancel your attendance/registration, please include whether another author will be taking your place and you are transferring your registration to them along with all of the new author’s relevant contact information. If you do not inform the organizers upon cancellation that another author will be taking your spot, the organizers may, at their discretion, make an attempt to fill the open table. Once that attempt is made, your registration is no longer transferable.

Registration fees are not refundable. Our budget relies on paid registrations and we are unable to refund your registration fee.

Is the event still free for readers?

Yes, the event is still free to readers to attend.

While we had originally planned to have our event a the Clarion in Cedar Rapids, our plans changed around Thanksgiving due to a federal investigation and the surrounding negative press. Before Christmas, we signed an agreement with the Marion Columbus Club in Marion, Iowa to hold the event at their location just off Highway 13.

We are hopeful that our move will attract readers from the Cedar Rapids Metro area and surrounding towns as the Marion Columbus Club has easy access off of Highway 13 Our marketing efforts, along with encouraging the attending authors to promote the event creatively online and in their community, should help us to expand our reach and encourage more readers to stop by for an hour or two to meet authors. The event is still free to readers to attend.

What authors are attending the event? What types of books do they write?

What are my parking options at the event?

There is free parking in the parking lot and free street parking.

Other than authors, who will attend the event?

We are hopeful that our move will attract readers from the Cedar Rapids Metro area and surrounding towns as the Marion Columbus Club has easy access off of Highway 13 Our marketing efforts, along with encouraging the attending authors to promote the event creatively online and in their community, should help us to expand our reach and encourage more readers to stop by for an hour or two to meet authors. The event is still free to readers to attend.

As an attending author, when should I email you?

When your message is of a personal nature and is not necessarily for public consumption or you are unsure if it is appropriate for the group. For example, you are unable to attend due to unforeseen events or you found an error on the web site or social media post.

Facebook Messenger is NOT an acceptable way to communicate with the organizers regarding questions or concerns you have about the event.

As an attending author, when should I use the Facebook group?

When your message concerns not only the organizers, but all the attending authors. For example, you need to know more information about the area or what to expect at the event. The Facebook group can also be used to get to know the organizers and the other attending authors.

Facebook Messenger is NOT an acceptable way to communicate with the organizers regarding questions or concerns you have about the event.

Am I required to help promote the event?

Yes, you must put forth a good faith effort in helping to promote I.O.W.A. We will provide you with a number of social media friendly images you can share as well as printable flyers to post around your community. Please share your efforts on your preferred social media outlet using the hashtag #OtherWorld18 or post a note in the author group.

We do monitor the attending authors and their efforts to promote the event. If we feel you have not made a good faith effort to promote our event, it is possible that you will not be invited to attend in subsequent years.

Why am I required to help promote the event?

Our budget is limited to the money coming in from author registrations. Most of our budget is taken up by venue rental fees and the required insurance coverage. This leaves very little left to pursue large advertising efforts.

We do monitor the attending authors and their efforts to promote the event. If we feel you have not made a good faith effort to promote our event, it is possible that you not be invited to attend in subsequent years.

What do I need to bring to the event?

Recommendation from past attendees: About a dozen of each book. If you have a series, you may want to bring extra of book one in the series.

Business cards

Your Square and/or PayPal card swiper

It is HIGHLY recommended you practice using your device BEFORE the event. We will NOT be able to provide technical support for you during the event.

Money to make change

Recommendation from past attendees: A minimum of $150: $50 in ones, $50 in fives and $50 in tens.

Markers or pens for signing

Swag/Giveaways

Banner with your name

A tablecloth

A newsletter signup list and pens for people to use

A silver sharpie is helpful for signing eReaders and other dark things

Snacks and/or something to drink in case you can’t get away from your table

Chapstick

Do I have to bring my printed ticket/registration to the event?

This is still being determined for 2018.

Will the tablecloths be provided?

No, tablecloths will not be provided.

What The Authors Have to Say

"Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Imagine Other Worlds with Authors Book Fair. It was a great day talking books with readers and authors. I saw a lot of people leave with armloads of books, and my TBR pile suddenly got a lot taller, too!"

"Kudos to I.O.W.A. organizers Terri LeBlanc and Dana Beatty for all their hard work putting the event together."
--Dennis. W. Green

"Imagine Other Worlds was my first real jump into what I think could be the start of something greater, and for this moment, I'm thankful to the coordinators Terri and Dana for giving me the chance to let the *semi* new kid join the fun!"
--Shakyra Dunn

This festival was well organized, well communicated, and extremely well publicized. Authors were treated with much respect, and the company was great! Thank you for all of your hard work!
--Ann Morris

"Thank you to the family and friends who stopped by my table and said hi! It was so great to see you guys! And thanks to Terri M. LeBlanc for her amazing work coordinating the signing and for being generally awesome."
--Jade Eby

"Great job of organization by Terri and Dana." --Dennis Maulsby

"I just wanted to say I had a fantastic time, picked up some great books, added a lot more to my 'to buy' pile, and got to chat with a lot of wonderful people. Thank you." --D. Moonfire

"[Terri] and Dana are amazing. This event was amazing. Thank you so much!" --Tricia Andersen

Thank you, Terri and Dana, for all the hard work you both put into our event today. I so appreciate it and what a successful day...Made new friends and enjoyed visiting with all who stopped by and purchased a signed copy of my books." --Mary Griffith Chalupsky

"Thank you so much for putting such commitment and energy into this. We all appreciate what you do." --Cassie Leigh